Design and capabilities
The V-BAT's single-engine ducted fan enables it to take off and land vertically in confined spaces and to shift from hover to horizontal flight. Its autonomy software, including Shield AI’s Hivemind, allows it to operate in GPS- and communications-denied environments. Its compact design and ability to hover make it suitable for shipboard operations and confined land areas. [3]
In October 2023, Shield AI announced that the V-BAT had achieved drone-swarming capabilities, using Hivemind AI to enable multi-vehicle coordination and distributed autonomous operations. [4] [5]
History
In late April 2021, the United States Navy selected the V-BAT for prototyping and development. [6] The company kicked off efforts for this program later that year. [7]
In February 2022, Brazilian company VSK Tactical ordered an undisclosed number of V-BATs for security and monitoring roles. [8]
On 21 December 2022, a V-BAT and a Skyways V2.6B UAV made the first unmanned cargo deliveries to a U.S. Navy ship at sea. Each UAV carried a cargo of 22.5 kg 200 nm (370 km). [9]
In March 2023, the United States Army picked the V-BAT to compete in its Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) competition, Increment 2 to replace the RQ-7B Shadow. Shield AI teamed with Northrop Grumman for the competition. [10]
In July 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard awarded Shield AI a $198 million contract to provide maritime unmanned aircraft system services with the V-BAT. This marked one of the largest contractor-owned, contractor-operated) UAV deployments for maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. [11]
V-BAT has deployed with [Marine expeditionary unit]]s. [12] [13]
In November 2024, Shield AI cut a deal to have JSW Defense and Aerospace make V-BAT drones in India. The deal included a $90 million investment for technology transfer, the establishment of a manufacturing facility, and compliance programs to support local and international production demands. [14] [15]
In December 2024, Shield and Palantir Technologies announced the deepening of their strategic partnership and deployment of Palantir's Warp Speed for V-BAT manufacturing. [16]
In January 2025, has been selected to operate from warships operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force [17]
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